CJ and Titans Working on Deal
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Chris Johnson’s agent, Joel Segal, and the Tennessee Titans are discussing a contract compromise that might keep the All-Pro running back from skipping training camp, The Tennessean reported Tuesday.
Segal and Titans officials couldn’t be reached for comment, according to the newspaper, but NFL Network insider Michael Lombardi reported Monday that the ice between the sides had begun to thaw, making a deal likely before training camp, which begins July 31.
Johnson, a two-year pro who’s unhappy with his five-year, $12 million contract, said earlier this offseason that he wants to be the NFL’s highest-paid offensive player. According to The Tennessean, the Titans appear unwilling to pay Johnson at that level, but a short-term deal could result in a pay increase.
One possibility, according to the newspaper, is the Titans turning $2.5 million in escalated 2012 salary into a 2010 signing bonus to add to his $550,000 base salary this fall.
Johnson is scheduled to receive base salaries of $800,000 in 2011 and $960,000 in 2012.
Johnson, who led the NFL with 2,006 rushing yards last season and was the league’s Offensive Player of the Year, skipped all of the Titans’ organized team activities and minicamp this offseason to show his displeasure with his contract. However, Johnson worked out at the team’s facility twice last week, The Tennessean reported, although the running back denied it.
Now I can only say that if ya’ll have read my previous articles that this comes as no surprise to me. Training camp starts at the end of the month, which means player fines for missing are going to be shelled out around the league like patriotism after 9/11. When your only set to make half a million dollars (only half a million, gee wish I made that much) and the consequences of being fined for holding out are on the horizon, then CJ (who is not a dumb person) is going to make the smart decision and take a compromise and renegotiate next season once the Player Bargaining Agreement is settled. Further proof of this outcome occurred during last months OTA’s when starting Quarterback Vince Young was asked whether or not he thought CJ would be back “Of course, hes gotta pay his bills” Young said. So to put it lightly, Welcome back CJ!!! See You At Camp!!
Original Article Courtesy of NFL.com